Congestion

Herbal poultice body treatment at Silken Tent
I’d do just about anything to avoid getting a flu shot. So when I learned that instead of having someone jam a needle into my arm, I could supposedly get the same relief from a spa treatment, I was thrilled. The method was developed to heal Thai soldiers returning from war in the 14th century, so I figured it should be able to get me through the flu season. After a rubdown with organic grape-seed oil (to nourish the skin), my aesthetician grabbed fabric-wrapped bundles of herbs out of a heated container and started massaging them onto my body. The herbs are healing, supposedly: Turmeric has antioxidants that boost immunity, prai relieves sore muscles, lemongrass works as a natural astringent, camphor soothes infections and kafir lime tones the skin. The usefulness of the treatment was tested a week later when my stuffy nose disappeared instead of turning into its usual keep-me-in-bed-for-three-days cold. 60 minutes for $150.
—Danielle Braff

Antiallergy facial at Channings Day Spa
I spend my days breathing in an allergen soup—I’m allergic to my roommate’s otherwise-wonderful cat. Both my stuffed-up nose and my blotchy face only get worse in winter, so I was a wreck when I entered the leopard-spotted confines of Channings. After carefully cleansing and steaming my much-abused mug, my facialist applied an enzyme peel designed to dissolve away the dull top layer of skin. This was followed by a calming mask containing aloe and chamomile; she also put a cool pack over my forehead and eyes to relieve sinus pressure. When she was done, my face was smooth and only slightly pink from all the rubbing and prodding, and my nose was unstuffed (I credit the steam). The next day, my stuffy nose was back—but that’s what I get for letting the irresistible little furball nap on my bed. $40–$100, depending on treatment add-ons.
—Ruth Welte

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